1999 Nissan Sentra Problems
- Complaints
- 59filed with NHTSA
- Median mileage
- 72,900miles, 13 complaints with mileage
- Recalls
- 0campaigns on record
- Trend
- StableComplaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
- NHTSA crash rating
- —overall rating starts with 2011 models
- EPA fuel economy
- 27 mpgcombined, 1.6L 4-cyl FWD · 23 city / 33 hwy
Sources: NHTSA records for the 1999 Nissan Sentra (complaints, recalls, investigations), NHTSA crash tests, EPA fuel economy. Report an error
What owners report
Owners of the 1999 Nissan Sentra report a fairly wide spread of problems, with stalling and electrical gremlins among the most frequent, followed by airbag non-deployment in crashes, brake concerns, and uneven front tire wear. Many complaints involve cars with well over 70,000 miles, though some electrical and cooling issues show up earlier.
- Electrical system
Engine stalls or will not restart / distributor failure
- 9 complaints (15%)
- median 54,608 mi at 4.3 yrs old (4 state mileage, few)
- 2 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2001–2015
Owners describe the engine cutting out without warning while driving, sometimes at highway speed, and in some cases the car then fails to restart. Several reports point to the ignition distributor or distributor cap, with dealers replacing the distributor, wires and plugs; in at least one case the problem came back. Others describe a no-start condition after short trips or when temperatures shift, requiring the accelerator to be held down while cranking. Reported from roughly 47,000 to 79,000 miles and at higher mileages, often during ordinary driving rather than under load.
What to check: Ask whether the distributor, cap, wires and plugs have been replaced and when. During a test drive, note any hesitation or sudden cut-out, and try a short stop-and-restart cycle to see whether it fires up normally.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“There is a recall on 2002, 2005-2006 Nissan sentras & altimas with the sensor. The car can shut down without warning and engine stall. My car is a 1999 Nissan Sentra with the same problem and they won't fix it because of the wrong year. Regardless of the year it should be fixed or I should receive some kind of compensation. Luckily when I was driving and my car shut down I wasn't hit from the back. …”
NHTSA complaint #10213485, filed 2008-01“Vehicle will not start when tempratures go from cold to warm without depressing gas pedal all the way to the floor and holding there while cranking engine over.”
NHTSA complaint #10007937, filed 2003-02, 56,216 miles - Air bags
Airbags did not deploy in a crash
- 8 complaints (14%)
- median 101,108 mi at 8.4 yrs old (1 states mileage, few)
- 8 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2007
Complaints describe frontal and rollover impacts in which the airbags did not inflate, and one report notes an airbag that did deploy struck the driver in the face. Owners generally do not say a warning light was on beforehand; the concern is raised after a collision. Separately, one owner reports the seat belt buckle released during a crash. Reported across a wide mileage range, from relatively low mileage to over 100,000 miles, generally during collisions at moderate speeds.
What to check: Have the airbag warning lamp checked during a pre-purchase inspection and confirm no prior collision damage or seat/trim modifications that could affect the side airbags or occupant sensor. Check that the seat belts latch and release normally.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“Braking system failed to fully function. When I pressed the brake pedal to slow down, the vehicle slowed. However, as I pressed the brake pedal harder to come to a full stop, the vehicle did not respond. A two vehicle car crash resulted, and the Sentra is a total loss. The air bags did not deploy. The brakes were last serviced on 10-23-06. I do not trust the dealership, since I have had previous problems. I had the same supspension problems with the vehicle - tires wearing prematurely on the inside. …”
NHTSA complaint #10182329, filed 2007-02, 101,108 miles“While traveling on freeway at 50 MPH consumer was exiting ramp when brakes stopped working, consumer had to swerve and hit a brick building at 30 to 40 MPH. Brakes finally did kick in, and it did slow vehicle down a little before hitting a brick wall. Upon impact, airbags didn't deploy, consumer states that it felt as if the brakes caused the vehicle to accelerate.”
NHTSA complaint #877616, filed 2001-01 - Brakes
Long stopping distance / brakes not responding
- 9 complaints (15%)
- median 90,047 mi at 6.3 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 5 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 2000–2014
Owners describe the pedal going down without the expected braking, extended stopping distances, and in some cases a master cylinder leaking fluid. Several reports involve crashes where the driver pressed harder and the car did not slow as expected. Some complaints also mention corroded brake lines. Reported from around 100,000 miles upward and in wet or damp conditions in some reports.
What to check: Ask for brake service records and have a mechanic check the master cylinder, lines for corrosion, and pad/rotor condition. Test the pedal feel and stopping distance on a safe road before buying.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The stopping distance for this sub-compact at 30 MPH is exorbitant. My accident was the result of running out of braking space on a damp road. Everyone with ABS equipped vehicles were able to swerve out of the road to avoid accident however my standard brakes couldn't compete with their manueverability, especially when the brakes work like I have 50k miles w/o servicing.”
NHTSA complaint #724586, filed 2000-06“Traveling on freeway at approx. 20-25 MPH. In stop and go traffic, approx. 4pm. The car in front of me stopped suddenly, I attempted to brake hard, but the brakes did not respond. I then attempted to steer to the side but I could only go so far. I had the feeling that I lost power. I could not get out of the car after impact because the power locks did not work. I was told that the head lamp was embedded into the battery.”
NHTSA complaint #745594, filed 2001-05 - Suspension
Front tires wear unevenly on the inside
- 9 complaints (15%)
- median 128,270 mi at 11.3 yrs old (2 state mileage, few)
- 1 mention a crash, fire or injury
- filed 1999–2013
Owners report the inner edges of the front tires wearing down to the cord while the rest of the tire looks fine, sometimes noticed only when a tire goes flat or fails. Alignment and balancing were checked in several cases, and dealers often told owners this was a tire issue rather than a vehicle issue. One owner also describes front-end vibration attributed to a drive axle. Reported at various mileages, often noticed at routine maintenance or when a tire failed; several reports involve highway driving.
What to check: Inspect the inner shoulder of both front tires for uneven wear, ask for recent alignment records, and have the suspension and drive axles checked if there is vibration at speed.
2 excerpts from owner complaints in NHTSA records
“The original tires shreaded on the inside,& the front end had to be realligned. I noted that their have been 3 other complaints of same type reported to you. This seems to be a problem that other are having. Unlike other cars I have owned this car gave no indication that the allignment was failing,untill the tire was completely shreaded on the inside and was going flat. Is Nissan doing anything to correct this problem?”
NHTSA complaint #750243, filed 2001-08“Car is vibrating and shaking in the front end, replaced set of tires then the new tires were being damaged again by the vibration. Nissan refused to check drive axles which seem to be the source of the vibration. The part looks in good condition, was inspected by a mechanic and he stated that is the drive axle.”
NHTSA complaint #10147342, filed 2006-01
Buying note. A 1999 Sentra with service records showing distributor and cooling-fan work, plus a recent alignment and brake inspection, is the safer starting point; on any example, budget for a thorough electrical and brake check given how often those areas appear in owner reports.
Summary written with AI from a sample of 44 NHTSA complaints for this model year (picked at random, with complaints that state a mileage and recent ones taken first), then checked automatically against the source records. Where a problem shows a complaint count, every complaint for this model year was matched with fixed keyword rules (written with AI and tested against the sample), and the mileage, age and repair figures are calculated from those complaints; owners' figures are as stated, not verified. Other counts refer to the sample. The excerpts come from NHTSA's public complaint records and are unverified; capitalisation is normalised, NHTSA staff notes are removed, and shortened text ends with “…”. Something wrong? Request a correction.
NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 1999 Nissan Sentra. 13 of the complaints include a mileage, and 23% of those were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the median is 72,900 miles. Of all complaints, 14 involved a crash, 9 an injury, according to the filers. NHTSA lists 0 recall campaigns and 27 technical service bulletins for this model year.
Not compared (before 2008). Model years 2008–2023 of the same vehicle that have at least 25 complaints are compared, and a model needs at least 3 of them.
Which parts are reported most
Complaints can name more than one part, so the counts add up to more than the total. Select a part to see its complaints, recalls and bulletins.
- Electrical system12 20%
- Air bags7 12%
- Brakes7 12%
- Engine cooling6 10%
- Tires6 10%
- Suspension4 6.8%
- Vehicle speed control4 6.8%
- Exterior lighting3 5.1%
- Fuel system3 5.1%
Also reported: Steering (3), Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors) (3), Engine (2), Body and structure (2), Equipment (1), Other or unknown (1), Seat belts (1), Seats (1), Wheels (1).
Example complaints
Electrical system: “Since soon after the purchase of the vehicle if you start the vehicle and then move it a short distance and turn it off, you can not restart it, you have to hold down the gas pedal and crank it until it starts, or wait till later to start it. Sister had same model and year Nissan exact same problem. Dealer said there is nothing they can do, but it is a common problem. Now at 98k miles you turn off the car and the fan continues to run must disconnect the battery to stop it. Many electrical problems.”
NHTSA complaint #10059941, filed 2004-02Air bags: “While driving 30-35 MPH vehicle hit a concrete wall. A few seconds later, vehicle crashed, and both airbags deployed. Consumer was hit in face by driver's airbag. No major injuries, bruises only. Damage to vehicle unknown at this time.”
NHTSA complaint #899732, filed 2001-11Brakes: “The contact owns a 1999 Nissan Sentra. The contact stated that the brake lines were corroded and the check engine warning light illuminated. The vehicle was not diagnosed or repaired. The manufacturer was notified of the failure. The failure mileage was unknown.”
NHTSA complaint #10663652, filed 2014-12Engine cooling: “Air conditioner sends water into the rugs inside the car. Once, I intended to manipulate one of the air controls and ever since I have had this problem. I've been taking the car to the Nissan service center to have this problem solved but I am told that the water pipe was drained. I have taken the car on the following dates: 5-5-01/ 1-5-02/ 5/31/02 and 5-2-03 the problem continues and is getting worse.”
NHTSA complaint #10069614, filed 2004-01, 22,530 milesMileage when problems were reported
23% of the 13 complaints with a mileage were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles; the middle half falls between 53,000 and 88,000 miles.
Complaints by year filed
Trend: stable. Complaints filed in the last 3 full calendar years are within 25% of the 3 years before.
Crash test ratings
NHTSA's 5-Star Safety Ratings for the 1999 Nissan Sentra. Frontal results are shown driver / passenger; rollover shows the star rating and NHTSA's estimated risk of rolling over in a single-vehicle crash.
| Version | Overall | Frontal | Side | Side pole | Rollover |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentra · sedan | not rated | 3 / 4 | — | — | — |
Ratings before the 2011 model year come from an older, less demanding test and are not comparable with ratings for 2011 and later.
Source: NHTSA New Car Assessment Program (5-Star Safety Ratings), nhtsa.gov/ratings.
Fuel economy and running cost
EPA ratings for each 1999 Nissan Sentra version. Annual fuel cost is the EPA's estimate at its current fuel prices for 15,000 miles a year (55% city driving).
| Version | Engine | Transmission | City | Hwy | Comb. | Fuel / yr |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| Sentra/200SX FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 25 | 35 | 29 | $2,300 |
| Sentra/200SX FWD | 1.6L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 23 | 33 | 27 | $2,500 |
| Sentra/200SX FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 4-speed automatic | 20 | 27 | 23 | $2,900 |
| Sentra/200SX FWD | 2.0L 4-cyl | 5-speed manual | 20 | 28 | 23 | $2,900 |
Source: U.S. EPA and Department of Energy, fueleconomy.gov. Ratings are for comparing vehicles; real-world mileage varies with driving and conditions.
Recalls and investigations
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for the 1999 Nissan Sentra in the data used here. A recall can apply to some vehicles of a model year and not others, so check a specific vehicle by VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
Technical service bulletins
TSBs are manufacturer notes to dealers about known repair procedures. They are not recalls and do not by themselves mean a vehicle has a fault. 27 on record; the latest 10 are shown.
- 10243708Sep 21, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10239062Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. SILICONE-BASED LUBRICANT OR GREASE CAN DAMAGE ELECTRICAL COMPONENTS SERVICE INFORMATION Do not apply Silicone-based lubricants or grease to, or around, any interior electrical components. To avoid…
- 10239060Jun 16, 2023Electrical system. 12 VOLT BATTERY TESTING FOR IN-SERVICE VEHICLES SERVICE INFORMATION The following Service Information lists NNA procedural recommendations for establishing good connections while performing 12V…
- 10235707Apr 27, 2023Electrical system. VEHICLE KEY NOT DETECTED / AUTHENTICATED, ENGINE WILL NOT START This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235710Apr 17, 2023Electrical system. INTELLIGENT KEY REPLACEMENT OR SWAPPING BETWEEN VEHICLES This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Discard all previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10235729Apr 3, 2023Electrical system. RADIO INTERMITTENTLY REBOOTS DURING AUDIO PLAYBACK VIA BLUETOOTH CONNECTED IPHONE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this…
- 10232658Feb 27, 2023Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Body and structure. REMOVING FOREIGN MATERIAL FROM THE WINDOW GLASS This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232656Feb 27, 2023Visibility (wipers, defrost, mirrors), Body and structure. WINDSHIELD CRACKING This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232657Feb 22, 2023Wheels. WHEEL BEARING COLLISION DAMAGE This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
- 10232652Feb 22, 2023Steering. DIAGNOSIS OF VEHICLE PULL (DRIFT) AND/OR STEERING WHEEL OFF-CENTER This bulletin has been amended. See AMENDMENT HISTORY on the last page. Please discard previous versions of this bulletin.
Other model years of the Nissan Sentra
| Year | Complaints | Median mi | Recalls | Crash ★ | MPG | Score (50 = typical) | Trend |
|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|---|
| 2026 | 19 | 300 | 1 | — | 33 | — | Too new |
| 2025 | 31 | 7,950 | 4 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2024 | 41 | 30,000 | 3 | 5 | 34 | Too new to compare | Too new |
| 2023 | 20 | 75,300 | 1 | 5 | 33 | — | Too new |
| 2022 | 81 | 36,000 | 2 | 5 | 33 | 27 · Fewer | Rising |
| 2021 | 133 | 24,000 | 3 | 5 | 33 | 64 · Typical | Rising |
| 2020 | 207 | 28,879 | 4 | 5 | 33 | 71 · More | Rising |
| 2019 | 223 | 34,500 | 2 | 4 | 29 | 54 · Typical | Stable |
| 2018 | 185 | 40,000 | 2 | 4 | 29 | 38 · Typical | Falling |
| 2017 | 231 | 44,000 | 3 | 4 | 29 | 50 · Typical | Stable |
| 2016 | 270 | 60,255 | 6 | 4 | 32 | 69 · More | Falling |
| 2015 | 352 | 55,500 | 3 | 4 | 32 | 59 · Typical | Stable |
| 2014 | 380 | 67,000 | 5 | 4 | 33 | 71 · More | Falling |
| 2013 | 638 | 61,000 | 6 | 4 | 33 | 97 · More | Falling |
| 2012 | 180 | 64,000 | 0 | 4 | 26 | 10 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2011 | 142 | 71,000 | 2 | 4 | 26 | 27 · Fewer | Stable |
| 2010 | 144 | 69,316 | 3 | — | 27 | 31 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2009 | 55 | 57,000 | 1 | — | 27 | 0 · Fewer | Falling |
| 2008 | 167 | 67,000 | 3 | — | 27 | 39 · Typical | Falling |
| 2007 | 154 | 60,000 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2006 | 116 | 78,832 | 5 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2005 | 170 | 76,200 | 5 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2004 | 197 | 77,000 | 4 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Rising |
| 2003 | 180 | 69,012 | 7 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2002 | 304 | 71,000 | 10 | — | 23 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2001 | 236 | 61,000 | 7 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 2000 | 171 | 57,110 | 6 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1999 | 59 | 72,900 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1998 | 58 | 102,500 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1997 | 108 | 105,000 | 3 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1996 | 141 | 66,500 | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1995 | 117 | 157,994 | 3 | — | 28 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1994 | 99 | 180,000 | 0 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Falling |
| 1993 | 58 | 100,000 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1992 | 62 | 107,500 | 0 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1991 | 63 | 120,000 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1990 | 39 | 82,958 | 2 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1989 | 41 | — | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1988 | 37 | 122,487 | 1 | — | 27 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1987 | 36 | — | 1 | — | 26 | Not compared (before 2008) | Stable |
| 1986 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 30 | — | Not enough data |
| 1985 | 6 | — | 0 | — | 29 | — | Not enough data |
All Nissan Sentra model years · Best and worst years by complaints
Frequently asked questions
What are the most common problems with the 1999 Nissan Sentra?
Owners of the 1999 Nissan Sentra report a fairly wide spread of problems, with stalling and electrical gremlins among the most frequent, followed by airbag non-deployment in crashes, brake concerns, and uneven front tire wear. The issues reported most often: Engine stalls or will not restart / distributor failure; Airbags did not deploy in a crash; Long stopping distance / brakes not responding.
How many NHTSA complaints does the 1999 Nissan Sentra have?
NHTSA recorded 59 consumer complaints for the 1999 Nissan Sentra as of Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate.
What part of the 1999 Nissan Sentra is reported most often?
Electrical system is named most often, in 12 complaints (20% of the total), followed by air bags with 7.
Has the 1999 Nissan Sentra been recalled?
NHTSA lists no recall campaigns for this model year in the data used here. To check a specific vehicle, enter its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls.
What gas mileage does the 1999 Nissan Sentra get?
The EPA rates the 1999 Nissan Sentra (Sentra/200SX, 1.6L 4-cyl) at 27 mpg combined, 23 city and 33 highway, with an estimated annual fuel cost of $2,500 at 15,000 miles a year. Other engine and drive versions are rated differently.
At what mileage are problems with the 1999 Nissan Sentra reported?
Among the 13 complaints that include a mileage, the median is 72,900 miles and the middle half falls between 53,000 and 88,000 miles; 23% were filed for vehicles with under 50,000 miles.
About this data. Data from NHTSA (ODI) complaints, recalls, TSBs and investigations, updated Oct 30, 2026. Complaints are unverified consumer reports and may be duplicated or inaccurate. Crash ratings are from NHTSA’s New Car Assessment Program. Fuel economy is from the EPA and DOE (fueleconomy.gov).
Complaint counts come from NHTSA’s public complaint database; we count each complaint once. The source records for this vehicle are on nhtsa.gov. Scores and trends are our own summaries of that data, described in the methodology. This page is not legal, safety or repair advice: for a specific vehicle, check its VIN at nhtsa.gov/recalls and ask a qualified mechanic. See an error? Tell us.